Star Tracks - Jan. 28, 2013

The 3rd Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon on Jan. 22 to benefit Mary’s Shelter was an afternoon of hope and celebration, as more than 230 people turned out in support of the transitional residence with educational programs for homeless pregnant women that is located in Stuart. Cache provided the fashions, Willoughby Golf Club offered the perfect location and upscale vendors tempted attendees. My tablemates - co-chairs Amy Rainis and Luanne Dunne, Gina Tompson, Reverend Noel McGrath, Mary’s Shelter founder Jan Lindsay, KimGaudet and the always effervescent Kelley Dunn of WPTV NewsChannel 5 among them - were great company.

Next up for Mary’s Shelter is its inaugural Celebrate Life gala to be held at Sailfish Point Country Club at 5 p.m. on March 3. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, entertainment by Jimmy Keys and upscale raffle items. Tickets are $200 per person. For information, call (772) 223-5000.

Walk-a-thon for epilepsy

On March 3, folks will gather at Memorial Park in Stuart for the Epilepsy Foundationof Florida (EFOF)’s annual Walk-a-Thon. The purpose of the walk, which is almost two miles, is to raise awareness and funds for the wide variety of services offered by EFOF. There is no registration fee, But walkers are enouraged to raise at least $100 per person. For information, call (772) 223-4962 or visit www.EpilepsyFLA.org.

New partnership blooms

The YMCA of the Treasure Coast is now offering dance classes as part of its regular programming, thanks to a new partnership with Florida Arts and Dance Company. Classes in hiphop and ballet began last week and are still open for participants. The Y hopes to expand its dance offerings if these classes are well-received. Programs at the Y are recreational in nature and meant for beginning dancers. For information or to enroll in the classes, call (772) 223-1606.

Hobe Sound women help

Tracy Levy of Safe Space will speak at a meeting of the GFWC Hobe Sound Women’s Club at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 at The First United Methodist Church of Hobe Sound youth building. Safe Space helps victims of domestic violence in many ways. The meeting is open to the public and is free, although a donation of canned goods is requested for the SafeSpace pantry. For information, call (772) 245-8361 or visit www.gfwchobesoundwomensclub.org.

Carnival for a cause

“Ranchin’ for a Cause,” a carnival to benefit Relay for Life of South Martin County, takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Feb.2 at 5749 S.W. Grove Street in Palm City. Admission is $5 per person, which gets you a hamburger or hot dog, chips, drink and a cookie. Enjoy carnival games, a fishing derby (bring your own pole), bounce house, face painting, balloon art, raffle items and music by The OHANA Band and Ice Bob and the Cubes. 100-percent of proceeds go to The American Cancer Society. For information, call (772) 219-1421.

ESC hosts grandparents

The Environmental Studies Council hosts “Grandparent’s Day” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 2 at The Center’s Jensen Beach location. Students can bring their grandparents to tour the exhibits, where they can see the alligator, sea turtle, gopher tortoises, creatures in the wet lab, and much more up close. There will be crafts, activities, games and refreshments. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Center, and staff and volunteers are excited to share 40 years and several generations of environmental education at this free event. Visit www.escmc.org or call (772) 334-4643.

Art in the barn aids horses

Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) presents Art in the Barn from 4-7 p.m. on March 9 at Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary in Palm City. Original art, presented by members of the Artist Association of Jupiter, will be displayed in the barn, with 20-percent of the proceeds going to the ERAF to benefit our rescued horses. Tickets are $50 per person and include beer, wine food and lot of fun with our horses. There will also be a silent auction, raffle and riding demonstrations on rescues. Donations are welcome. For information, call (561) 358-0625 or visit www.eraf.org.

On the horizon

Heidi Monsour, past-president of Junior League of Martin County, is Martin County chair for this year’s March for Babies to benefit Easter Seals. Well, she doesn’t want to divulge too many details, but from 5:30-7 p.m. on Jan. 31, she promises a fun and unique kickoff event to be held at the Frances Langford Pavillion in Indian RiverSide Park. I plan to be there, and altough she was still working out details when I was writing this column, I will know more by the time you read this. Give me a call at (772) 409-1356 and I’ll fill you in on the plan!